Thomas Daschle: “Lenny Oursler is somebody who has been with us here in the Senate for a long time. Tomorrow he will be leaving the…”

“Lenny Oursler is somebody who has been with us here in the Senate for a long time. Tomorrow he will be leaving the Senate to work in the Congressional Affairs Office of the Internal Revenue Service. Lenny began work in the Senate stationery store in September 1981. He began work in the Democratic cloakroom in April of 1987. He has worked over 16 years of Government service, 10 in the cloakroom, and he has been running the cloakroom, now, for the last 5 years. His tasks have been varied, including keeping Senators and staff apprised of floor action, acting as soothsayer in predicting upcoming schedules with amazing accuracy, making sure that all Democrats reach the floor in time to cast their votes, extending his exuberant hotlines with his trademark 'thank you.' I don't know of anybody who has worked in that capacity who is more respected, and that respect is well earned. He is always available. He frequently works long, long hours and autographs his work with excellence. There will be a large void in the cloakroom that will be clearly difficult to fill. He is well liked by Senators and staff alike. He always has a cheerful disposition, always has something nice to say, a very positive person with an incredible outlook on life. Occasionally he even has a funny story to share that I can repeat. Indeed, the only fault I can think of is that he is a diehard Cubs fan and he may never be broken of that terrible habit.”